Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Minneapolis for 2024. Minneapolis is a vibrant city in the heart of the Midwest, with more than 15 Fortune 500 companies headquartered there, including Best Buy, Target, UnitedHealth, St. Jude, and General Mills.
The city’s thriving corporate culture is ideal for professionals across a variety of industries seeking innovation and growth. There is an abundance of opportunities to network in the top sectors, including technology, science, insurance, finance, manufacturing, retail, energy, and healthcare.
Across these industries, women hold many high-ranking positions, including technology leader, Jacquelyn Crowhurst, the Chief Architect of Americas Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft. In this role, Crowhurst helps companies transform their businesses using Microsoft cloud technologies and leads a team of customer-facing engineers for the multinational corporation.
We also honor seasoned retail executive, Sarah Seger. As the Head of Transformation Practices and Enablement at Best Buy, Seger has a proven track record in leading organizational transformations and is a strong advocate for improving the employee experience.
Finally, we congratulate Marissa Birkland, the Chief of Staff and Senior Director of Operations at Optum, a health services and innovation company. Using her diverse background in engagement operations and Six Sigma quality consulting, Birkland leads cross-functional teams to accomplish timely, complex business objectives.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Minneapolis for 2024.
1). Mary Currier
Chief Operating Officer, Allianz Technology of America
Mary Currier is the Chief Operating Officer of Allianz Technology of America. She first joined the company in 2023. With more than 13,000 employees in more than 20 countries around the world, Allianz Technology is tasked to run, optimize, transform, and innovate the infrastructure, applications, and services.
Currier is a highly accomplished and agile executive leader with expertise in aligning strategy, technology, and operations with corporate goals enterprise-wide. She provides leadership excellence through authenticity, accountability, and relationship management. She has strong experience in cross-functional senior leadership roles, resulting in a deep knowledge of business function strategies and operations. As a collaborative and engaging leader with an entrepreneurial style, Currier builds and retains high-performance teams by hiring, developing, and motivating next-generation leaders. She is consistently acknowledged for her critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and building enterprise-wide collaboration to achieve shared goals and values.
Previously, Currier was a VP of business performance management at Allianz Life. Before that, she was an IT consultant at Impact Group. Earlier in her career, she worked with Metris Companies as a VP of telecommunications. Currier earned an undergraduate degree in business administration and management from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
2). Michele Ewen
Managing Director, NA Advanced Technology Center SAP Lead, Accenture
Michele Ewen is the Managing Director and NA Advanced Technology Center SAP Lead at Accenture, a leading global professional services company that helps the world’s leading businesses, governments, and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth, and enhance citizen services. In this role, Ewen develops SAP-skilled talent and innovative offerings that bring the best of Accenture's delivery excellence to clients.
Ewen has extensive experience guiding several clients through SAP deployments and global supply chain process improvements. She has led businesses through the entire transformation lifecycle, including leadership kick-off, fit/gap workshops, change impact management, design, build, testing, training, data management, cutover, and hypercare. At each client engagement, Ewen enjoys connecting with various levels of stakeholders and working towards common goals to resolve key business issues. Her ability to build strong relationships and foster collaboration ensures successful project outcomes and lasting improvements for her clients.
Ewen started her career in 2007 as a health services data specialist at Hennepin County Medical Center. From there, she went on to Healthland (formerly APS). Ewen graduated from the University of Minnesota with an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering.
3). Rebekah Johnson
Managing Director, Deloitte & Touche LLP
Rebekah Johnson is the Managing Director of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Deloitte firms around the world help clients become leaders, wherever they choose to compete. Johnson specializes in providing audit and assurance services tailored to a diverse range of clients, including public and private companies, family-owned businesses, global inbound companies, and private equity portfolio companies. As the Minneapolis emerging growth company leader, she focuses on start-ups and emerging growth businesses, particularly venture-capital-backed enterprises.
Johnson’s expertise lies in conducting risk-based external audits that incorporate data analytics and innovative tools to provide insights into the quality of financial statements and internal controls. She advises clients on new accounting standards, such as ASC 606/IFRS 15 revenue recognition and ASC 842/IFRS 16 lease accounting, prepares and reviews accounting whitepapers, and assists with ESG readiness, IPO readiness, SPAC transactions, and M&A transactions. She is also skilled in drafting and reviewing report disclosures and registration statements.
Known for her proactive and collaborative approach, Johnson actively participates in recruitment, interviewing, training, mentoring, and retention initiatives for Deloitte Audit staff. She is a member of the Minnesota Society of CPAs and the AICPA, contributing actively to professional development and industry standards. Johnson graduated from the University of Minnesota-Carlson School of Management with an undergraduate degree in accounting and marketing.
4). Bailey Bassett
VP, Strategy, Optum Home & Community
Bailey Bassett is Vice President of Strategy at Optum Home and Community within UnitedHealth Group (UHG). Currently, she is supporting the long-term vision and strategic priorities for care transitions and senior community care businesses that provide clinical and community-based support for the most fragile and medically complex seniors nationally. In her prior role, she supported UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Medicaid solutions and growth strategy for market-based RFPs to help expand access and benefits to millions of members.
Bassett has spent nearly a decade at the enterprise with experience across both Optum and UHC within multiple functions including operations, solutions, product, and growth. She has supported highly visible and complex projects and strategies including COVID response efforts. She focuses on building strong relationships, problem-solving, and effective communication with expertise within clinical-based care programs including in-home clinical models.
She received a BSB from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and her MBA from the University of St. Thomas. She is an active member of the community serving on the Moments of Courage Gala Committee for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, former Carlson GOLD Board Alumni President, and active mentor to current students. She enjoys golfing and spending time with her husband and two children.
5). Reham Habib
VP, Strategic Partnerships, Target
Reham Habib is the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Target, one of the world’s most recognized brands and one of America’s leading retailers. Habib began this role in January 2021.
Habib is an executive global brand leader with expertise in driving innovative, consumer-centric strategies to catalyze growth and build brands. She is adept at inspiring and leading high-performing global teams that connect and engage locally with consumers, with a focus on driving omnichannel strategies. Her experience includes working in China, Europe, and the US.
Before joining Target, Habib was a VP of global merchandising Nike sportswear at Nike. Before that, she was a business unit manager for G-Unit Clothing Company at Marc Ecko Enterprises. Earlier in her career, she worked with Marshall Fields as a retail planner, assistant buyer, and merchandise coordinator. Habib graduated from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Business with a degree in finance and economics.
6). Jessica Eull
Senior Director, Integrated Operations & Chief of Staff, Global Marketing, Cognizant
Jessica Eull is the Senior Director of Integrated Operations and Chief of Staff for Global Marketing at Cognizant. Cognizant engineers modern businesses. They help their clients modernize technology, reimagine processes, and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in their fast-changing world.
Eull is a seasoned marketing and communications practitioner with a strong focus on business objectives, strategic priorities, and data-driven insights that deliver results. With over 20 years of experience in business-to-business marketing and communications across technology companies, she excels in leading clients, teams, and projects. Her approach involves developing and executing marketing and communications plans that exceed expectations and directly impact the bottom line. Eull is adept at cultivating and growing relationships to drive collective team progress and foster a positive organizational culture. Her expertise lies in leveraging her extensive experience to achieve business goals through effective communication strategies and impactful marketing initiatives.
Eull started her career in 2005 as a corporate development coordinator at the American Heart Association. From there, she went on to Padilla Speer Beardsley, before eventually rising to senior manager of global marketing communications at Dell EMC, her most recent role before joining Cognizant. Eull graduated from Coe College with an undergraduate degree in business administration, public relations, and Spanish.
7). Patricia Ouimet
Senior Director of Ag Science, PepsiCo
Patricia Ouimet is the Senior Director of Ag Science at PepsiCo. She previously had a distinguished career with the Fortune 500 agriculture company Monsanto as a genomics operation lead, building and growing strategic business partnerships, implementing systems and digital technology solutions, and transforming organizational capabilities that drive analytical insights and strengthen research, regulatory, project management, product development, marketing, and customer business units.
During her career, Ouimet has won numerous awards for digital strategy implementation, and for developing new integrated algorithms and business processes. The YWCA has also recognized her as one of the women leaders in the workplace. She has a passion for helping young people develop a love for science, participating in STEM programs, and serving as a board member of the New Science Program at Western Missouri University.
Ouimet graduated from the University of Calgary with a PhD in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biochemistry and Microbial and Eukaryotic Genetics. She has an undergraduate degree in botany and plant biology.
8). Divija Alluri
Head of M&A Integration, Cargill
Divija Alluri is the Head of Cargill’s Global M&A Integration Management Office, where she leads the execution of inorganic growth. In this role, she partners with business leaders across the organization to manage M&A transactions that will require integration into Cargill and also those requiring divestment and separation. She oversees a multibillion-dollar portfolio of transactions where she works to ensure those investments are being seamlessly integrated into Cargill and generating the expected value. Divija has over a decade of experience in the M&A space and has become a trusted advisor for navigating complex global deals and bringing together disparate processes, systems, and cultures to drive synergies and maximize value creation.
Prior to joining Cargill, Divija was a Director in Ernst & Young’s (EY) transaction advisory services group where she worked with Fortune 500 consumer products companies in leading operational due diligence work, integration planning and execution and creating divestiture strategies to implement carve-outs. Before her career in M&A, Divija served as an operations consultant for West Monroe Partners where she worked with retail companies in optimizing their supply chain processes.
Divija holds a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science Engineering with a specialization in Technology & Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She leverages her professional network to stay active within the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce and serves in the Minneapolis chapter of Women Venture, where she has supported multiple Women in starting their small businesses.
9). Jacquelyn Crowhurst
Chief Architect, Americas Global Partner Solutions, Microsoft
Jacquelyn Crowhurst is the Chief Architect of Americas Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft. Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational and technology company. In her role, Crowhurst leads a team of deeply technical engineers focused on enabling partners to realize their market potential through co-engineering innovative solutions and creating impactful service offerings.
Crowhurst is passionate about helping companies transform their businesses using Microsoft cloud technologies. She leads a team of customer-facing engineers who code with companies to accelerate their cloud journey with innovative technology, focusing on energy, travel, hospitality, transportation, and logistics. Her background gives her a broad perspective to coach her team and help companies be successful.
Before joining Microsoft, Crowhurst was an architect at Cargill. Earlier in her career, she worked with Unisys. Crowhurst graduated from the University of North Dakota with an undergraduate degree in computer science and mathematics.
10). Sara Kanavati
Head of Learning Solutions, Executive Director, Wells Fargo
Sara Kanavati is the Head of Learning Solutions and Executive Director of Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with a significant global presence. The company operates in 35 countries and serves over 70 million customers worldwide.
Kanavati is a talented professional with a proven record of achievement in planning and executing initiatives that are significant in scope and complexity to support customer and business needs and objectives. A collaborative and influential leader, she possesses a strategic vision of business partnerships and demonstrates success in initiating action and managing change. She has exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship management skills. Her extensive experience includes change management, strategic planning, talent management, learning and development strategies, and call center management.
Kanavati graduated from the University of St. Thomas-Opus College of Business with an MBA in Business Administration and Management and from St. Olaf College with an undergraduate degree in Spanish language and literature.
11). Stephanie Board
Group VP R&D, Interventional Cardiology & VP PMO for SHV/IHF, Boston Scientific
Stephanie Board is the Group VP of R&D and Interventional Cardiology and the VP PMO for SHV/IHF at Boston Scientific. As a global medical technology leader for more than 40 years, Boston Scientific advances science for life by providing a broad range of high-performance solutions that address unmet patient needs and reduce the cost of healthcare.
In her role, Board is responsible for driving R&D of all non-implantable delivery systems, EP software/system development, and leading the Engineering and Scientific Services team. With over 26 years of experience in MedTech, she is a successful technology leader with a proven track record of building and leading high-performance teams, resulting in sustained company growth and profitability.
Board’s global career spans various disease states and disciplines, including biomedical science, engineering, product development, early research, physician interface, business, and strategic development. Previously, she was a divisional vice president of R&D product development at Abbott. Before that, she was a VP of research and development at St. Jude Medical. Earlier in her career, she worked with Upsher-Smith Laboratories as a scientist. Board earned an undergraduate degree in biomedical science and biomedical/medical engineering from St. Cloud State University.
12). Lori Robinson
Vice President, Global Retail Operations, Oracle
Lori Robinson is the Vice President of Global Retail Operations at Oracle. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure offers higher performance, security, and cost savings.
Robinson integrated the first global business unit into Oracle and paved the way for many new processes and procedures. She has over 22 years of global experience working with financial reporting, process improvement, operations management, cross-functional team leadership, acquisitions, complex legal negotiations, approvals, strategic programs, and cloud services.
Robinson started her career in 1999 as a trading analyst at American Express. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Master's degree in International Business and Leadership Development and from St. Cloud State University with an undergraduate degree in communications and Spanish.
13). Kalyn Hove
Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast
Kalyn Hove is the Regional Senior Vice President of Comcast. She first joined the company in 2014. Comcast delivers broadband, mobile, and video products that delight customers and technology that powers the future; produces and distributes leading entertainment, sports, and news, and brings incredible theme parks and attractions to life. In her current role at Comcast, Hove oversees customer experience, sales, operations, and financial performance, managing over 900,000 customers and leading approximately 1,000 employees across Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
Hove is a results-oriented and dynamic executive with over 20 years of senior-level experience in sales, business development, marketing, and operations. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated strategic leadership by consistently exceeding financial and operational objectives. She is known for her effective decision-making skills in resolving complex business challenges, leveraging her experience, leadership, integrity, and ability to inspire. She leads with a supportive approach, providing feedback that uplifts and drives individual and team success, contributing to her track record of achieving outstanding results.
Previously, Hove was a vice president of collaboration services at Level 3 Communications. Before that, she was a sales director of enterprise sales at Global Crossing. Earlier in her career, she worked with WorldCom as a regional sales manager. Hove earned an undergraduate degree in commercial economics from South Dakota State University.
14). Amanda Seabaugh
VP, General Manager, AT&T
Amanda Seabaugh is the Vice President and General Manager of AT&T, where she oversees all sales and operations in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. AT&T is using its network, labs, products, services, and people to create a world, where everything works together seamlessly, and life is better as a result.
Previously, Seabaugh served as assistant vice president and chief of staff supporting the EVP of AT&T’s Broadband business, where she played a key role in developing and tracking business plans and monitoring performance results. Before that, Seabaugh was the director of corporate initiatives for AT&T’s Discovery District, responsible for integrating the AT&T brand and leading operations, marketing, communications, and outreach efforts for the state-of-the-art property. Her career at AT&T spans nearly 20 years, with over a decade dedicated to AT&T retail, starting as a retail sales representative and advancing to area retail sales manager in 2012.
Seabaugh holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southeast Missouri State University and was honored in 2021 as one of the top 20 women in Dallas Advertising and Marketing by the American Advertising Foundation.
15). Taylor Anne Jandik
Managing Director, Northwestern Mutual
Taylor Anne Jandik is the Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual in Edina, MN, and leads all Leadership Development, Internship, and Recruiting strategies. Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and leading-edge technology to best serve clients.
Jandik first joined Northwestern Mutual in 2012 as director of campus selection. In this role, her goal was always to recruit the right person, at the right time, for the right reasons. She was promoted to director of internship development in less than two years and then moved into the role of district director in 2020. By August 2023, she was appointed to her current position. Taylor has spent the last 12 years helping continue to grow the systems, leaders, advisors, and recruiters working within Northwestern Mutual Twin Cities. In 3 years as District Director, Taylor & her team grew from 7 advisors to 28 advisors.
Earlier in her career, Jandik worked with Northwestern Mutual-Twin Cities as a development officer. She earned an undergraduate degree in marketing from the University of North Dakota. Taylor Jandik attended the University of North Dakota where she played volleyball and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. Upon graduation, Taylor spent 6 months working for the Minnesota Vikings in sales before joining Northwestern Mutual in October 2012. Taylor lives in Lakeville, MN with her Husband Andy and two daughters Landyn (6) and Lawson (3). She and her family love to travel, support Minnesota Sports, and spend time with family.
16). Heather Lister
VP & Chief Information Officer, Honeywell
Heather Lister is the Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Honeywell. Honeywell is a Fortune 500 company that invents and manufactures technologies to address tough challenges linked to global macrotrends, such as safety, security, and energy.
Lister is an accomplished IT director with a commanding track record of shaping the strategic vision and direction of an organization’s IT department to improve, enhance, or support business processes. Continually exploring and identifying new opportunities, she excels at turning innovative ideas into actionable strategies that make a significant difference for the organization. Lister has a proven ability to motivate and lead teams, driving projects forward with a collaborative approach. Known for her approachability and accessibility, she fosters a supportive environment that empowers teams to achieve their goals and align IT initiatives with organizational objectives. Her leadership contributes to advancing IT capabilities and driving continuous improvement across the organization.
Lister started her career in 1995 as an IT manager at Brand-Rex. From there, she went on to Novar, before eventually rising to IS business partner at ED&S, before joining Honeywell. Lister graduated from Kirkcaldy College with an undergraduate degree in computer data processing.
17). Maren Francis
Executive Director & Chief of Staff to the Chief Supply Chain & Logistics Officer, CVS Health
Maren Francis is the Executive Director and Chief of Staff to the Chief Supply Chain and Logistics Officer at CVS Health, the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. Described by her teams as a passionate leader, Francis builds connections and fosters collaboration while consistently delivering targeted outcomes. She is skilled in building and motivating highly engaged and diverse teams through trust, transparency, and inclusivity, ensuring collective success in achieving strategic goals.
Francis is a strategic and engaging leader with extensive experience in transforming omnichannel supply chains and operations. With 17 years of retail end-to-end operations experience, she specializes in strategy development, omnichannel fulfillment, supply chain management, logistics, and inventory planning. Known for her resilience as a problem solver, Francis collaborates with key stakeholders to bring clarity to complex situations. She excels at identifying opportunities, navigating ambiguity, and developing clear recommendations that drive positive change within organizations.
Before joining CVS Health, Francis worked with Target as a merchandise planning operations senior analyst. She graduated from the College of Saint Benedict with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management.
18). Alicia Eimers
Managing Director, Slalom
Alicia Eimers is a Managing Director at Slalom, a global consulting firm focused on helping clients innovate and transform their business. She has spent the past 23 years in professional services, with the last 12 at Slalom, where she initially joined the Seattle market and then moved to the Midwest to help start new offices in Minneapolis, Kansas City, Des Moines, and Omaha.
During her time at Slalom, Alicia has been focused on business development and go-to-market strategies, including sales, marketing, and technology partnerships. She has advised clients in retail, financial services, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, dedicating her time to understanding their business challenges and achieving strategic objectives. She is also the executive sponsor for Slalom’s Partners for Good program in Minneapolis, where the firm works with non-profit organizations and donates consulting services on a pro-bono basis to ensure success for the non-profit community.
Alicia is very active as a mentor and is involved in multiple boards and internal groups, such as a mentor for Slalom’s Rising Leaders, University of Washington’s Mentor Edge program, and a recent board position to help teachers in Minnesota gain access to much-needed supplies and resources in public school programs. She also dedicates time each week to bringing community leaders together to network and learn from each other. On the weekends she can be found in the cheering section of her 13-year-old daughter’s hockey or lacrosse games or her 9-year-old daughter’s gymnastics meets.
19). Judy Fredrickson
Managing Director, UBS
Judy Fredrickson is a Managing Director with the Private Wealth Management Group of UBS. UBS Group AG is a prominent multinational investment bank and financial services company based in Switzerland known for its strict bank-client confidentiality and culture of banking secrecy.
Fredrickson and her team provide comprehensive, consultative, investment planning and wealth management services to affluent families and institutions. She assists private business owners with in-depth pre-transaction planning and key decisions regarding multi-generational wealth and takes an active role in facilitating family meetings and discussions around family governance and the education and preparation of the next generation as future stewards of the family's wealth. Previously, Fredrickson was a principal and charter member of the Senior Investment Advisory Group of AllianceBernstein. Before that, she was an executive with Imation Corporation responsible for building an international services business across the US and Europe. She also spent nearly two decades in various leadership roles within Eastman Kodak Company.
Fredrickson attended the University of Oregon, where she earned a Bachelor of Science from Charles H. Lundquist College of Business. She is active in the Twin City community and has served in several board capacities in the Minneapolis community, including the YWCA of Minneapolis.
20). Julia Klema
Chief of Staff & Senior Director Strategic Planning, Structural Heart & Aortic, Medtronic
Julia Klema is the Chief of Staff and Senior Director of Strategic Planning for Structural Heart & Aortic at Medtronic, an American-Irish medical device company. She first joined the company in 2011 as senior LDRP in marketing and business development.
In less than two years, Klema was promoted at Medtronic to principal product specialist. As she moved through the ranks, she held multiple leadership roles, including marketing manager, senior marketing manager, chief of staff, and strategic planning director. She started her current role in October 2022.
Previously, Klema was a sales specialist at AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical. Earlier in her career, she worked with Johnson & Johnson as a pharmaceutical sales representative. Klema earned an MBA from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and an undergraduate degree in neuroscience and economics from Bowdoin College.
21). Melissa Johnson
VP, Merchant Success - Americas and Europe, EBANX
Melissa Johnson is the Vice President of Merchant Success - Americas and Europe of EBANX. She first joined the company in 2023. Since its founding in 2012, EBANX has aimed to connect rising markets through payments. In 12 years, the company has become the leading payment partner for global digital businesses operating in Latin America, Africa, and Asia – regions with hyper-growth of the digital economy, and highly-fragmented payment landscapes. EBANX has already helped over 1000 merchants, such as Spotify, AliExpress, Shopee, and Uber, to expand their businesses in rising markets in these three regions, by offering over 100 local payment methods in their portfolio to integrate.
Johnson is a highly accomplished and tenured sales leader in the digital commerce and technology industry. With a passion for driving business success through revenue growth, she has made a significant impact on the global business landscape. She also focuses keenly on advancing women in business, advocating for their empowerment and leadership within the industry. Her dedication to these goals underscores her influence and achievements in driving organizational and professional growth.
Previously, Johnson was a Director of Global & Strategic Accounts at PayPal. Before that, she was a Director of E-commerce Global Enterprise Sales at Worldpay from FIS. Earlier in her career, she worked with Epicor Software Corp as a financial consultant. Johnson earned an undergraduate degree in business management and export management from the University of North Dakota.
22). Joy Simonsen
Global Head of Digital Excellence, 3M
Joy Simonsen is the Global Head of Digital Excellence of 3M. 3M believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas, and science to reimagine what's possible, their global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of their customers, communities, and planet.
Simonsen is a global digital, data-tech-centric leader focused on creating frictionless consumer experiences and providing effective training. With over 30 years of experience in data-led marketing, she is deeply rooted in consumer empathy and continuously strives to optimize the activation of learnings combined with tech solutions to drive brand delight. Simonsen has a passion for developing simple customer experience solutions and strong training vehicles that showcase innovative approaches to industry challenges. By highlighting successes and addressing opportunities collaboratively, she aims to transform and enhance industry practices.
Before joining 3M, Simonsen was an associate director of e-commerce strategic planning and analytics at Mondelēz International. Before that, she was a senior category manager at GSK. Earlier in her career, she worked with Tree of Life as a sales planner. Simonsen graduated from the University of Minnesota with an undergraduate degree in psychology.
23). Sarah Seger
Head of Transformation Practices & Enablement, Best Buy
Sarah Seger is the Head of Transformation Practices and Enablement at Best Buy. At Best Buy, their purpose is to enrich lives through technology. They do that by leveraging their unique combination of tech expertise and human touch to meet customers’ everyday needs.
Seger is a passionate technology leader with a diverse background in retail/digital and online technology, financial services, product, and strategic leadership. She has a proven track record in leading organizational transformations, including agile, product, digital, and technology talent transformations. She advocates for enhancing employee experience and is committed to leading with inclusion and valuing diversity across all initiatives.
Seger started her career in 1998 as an executive director at New Horizon Kids Quest, Inc. From there, she eventually rose to project manager at Wells Fargo, her most recent position before joining Best Buy. Seger graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with an MBA in Business Administration and Project Management and from Minnesota State University, Mankato, with an undergraduate degree in general management, economics, and human resources.
24). Kristin Kelly
Chief Executive Officer, KK Advisory Services
Kristin Kelly is a transformative healthcare leader elevating the patient experience for historically marginalized and underserved communities across the US. She discovered her passion for healthcare in her teenage years, volunteering in local hospitals and long-term care facilities. With over 15 years of deep healthcare policy and business expertise, she excels at helping early-stage startups and Fortune 100 companies navigate the US healthcare ecosystem and understand, where they are best aligned to support, innovate, and maximize their impact to meet consumer needs.
As CEO of KK Advisory Services, a Minnesota-based healthcare consulting firm, Kelly partners with startups to help them grow and scale across global healthcare systems from concept to maturity. Through management consulting and fractional executive leadership in market assessment and entry planning, strategy, product development, actuarial services, and fundraising, Kelly and her team employ a unique approach blending innovative strategies, acute problem diagnosis, and incisive solution design. Their approach aims to better align incentives, ultimately improving patient and provider outcomes.
Before launching KK Advisory Services, Kelly successfully designed and executed growth strategies for payers and providers. She built performance-driven teams across product, business development, sales, network, and finance at prominent startups like Bright Health and Firefly Health. She provided strategic planning and management consulting while at Optum and Guidehouse. She also spent years advancing Affordable Care Act products and capitalizing on its legislation and ongoing guidance changes at organizations like MNsure, Bright Health, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Kelly is a founding member of Impact100 Twin Cities and serves on the board of the Erin Levitas Foundation. She holds an MPH with a concentration in Community Health Sciences and Health Policy from Tulane University and a BA in English and History from the University of Pennsylvania.
25). Karen Isaacson
VP, Operations, Emerson Automation Solutions
Karen Isaacson is the Vice President of Operations at Emerson Automation Solutions, a leading global technology, software, and engineering company providing innovative solutions for customers in industrial and commercial markets. Isaacson directs the final assembly and distribution of eight product families manufactured at facilities located in Chanhassen and Shakopee, Minnesota. Her responsibilities include overseeing more than 850 employees working three shifts at both sites. She leads the collaboration and standardization of global distribution standards and production lines across a 13-site global distribution network. Additionally, she directed the successful start-up of the Shakopee facility in 2014, demonstrating her leadership in operations management and facility expansion within the manufacturing sector.
Isaacson has a demonstrated history of success in the manufacturing industry, specializing in DMAIC, operations management, lean manufacturing, supplier performance, and manufacturing engineering. She oversees multi-site facilities employing nearly 900 salaried and hourly team members, leveraging her skills to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. Her expertise contributes to achieving high standards of performance and operational excellence within the manufacturing sector. She previously served Emerson as the director of operations and in engineer management roles.
Earlier in her career, Isaacson was a boiler engineer at Xcel Energy. She graduated from the University of North Dakota with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.
26). Tara Zieglmeier
Chief of Staff, High-Performance Computing & AI Solutions, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Tara Zieglmeier is the Chief of Staff in charge of High-Performance Computing and AI Solutions at Hewlett Packard Enterprise. The Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE) is an American multinational information technology company based in Spring, Texas.
Zieglmeier is a passionate leader who collaborates effectively to drive customer satisfaction, innovation, operational excellence, and employee satisfaction. She started at HPE as a director of engineering in 2018 and was promoted to her current role about five years later. Before joining HPE, Zieglmeier was a director of engineering at Veritas Technologies LLC. Earlier in her career, she was a senior manager of software quality assurance at Symantec.
Zieglmeier graduated from the University of St. Thomas-Opus College of Business with an MBA in Global Management and from the University of Minnesota Duluth with an undergraduate degree and an MIS.
27). Lynn Farmer
Chief Audience & Engagement Officer, Minneapolis Institute of Art
Lynn Farmer serves as the Chief Audience and Engagement Officer at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (Mia), where she leads Mia’s Design, Editorial, Marketing, Communication, Website, Education, Learning, and Programming teams. She is focused on rebuilding Mia as a creative hub for a more diverse community where everyone is truly welcome – creating the “people’s museum,” as Mia’s founders described it more than a century ago.
Farmer has spent 30 years building a career that she describes as “creator adjacent,” meaning she is energized by creative partnerships that move ideas into action to maximize reach and impact. Before joining Mia, Farmer served as Vice President, Marketing and Communications at
Twin Cities PBS (TPT), Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communications at Hamline University in St. Paul, and in multiple retail executive roles at Target Corporation and Neiman Marcus. She was also the Principal Consultant of Farmer Consulting where she specialized in
developing strategic plans and marketing strategies for small- to medium-sized organizations.
Farmer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing from Howard University, and a Masters of Nonprofit Management, Business and Leadership degree from Hamline University. She is currently a member of the Board of Trustees for Minnehaha Academy.
28). Jill Hershey
VP, Communications, Media Technology, Salesforce
Jill Hershey is the Vice President of Communications and Media Technology at Salesforce. Salesforce, Inc. is an American cloud-based software company that provides customer relationship management (CRM) software and applications focused on sales, customer service, marketing automation, e-commerce, analytics, and application development.
Hershey is an energetic business executive with over 20 years of experience in technology and sales. Her focus is on top-line revenue growth, passionate about working in a team environment and achieving customer success and business outcomes. She is known for creative thinking, strong relationship building with C-level executives, and perseverance that has led to consistent performance and attainment of goals. Her industry vertical experience includes sports and entertainment, manufacturing, auto, technology, travel and hospitality, agribusiness, energy, and utilities.
Hershey started her career in 1999 as a division director at Robert Half International. From there, she went on to Ceridian, before eventually rising to technology sales manager at Oracle. Hershey graduated from Winona State University.
29). Erica Rubio
Senior Director, Textile Design Private Brands, Macy's
Erica Rubio is the Senior Director of Textile Design Private Brands at Macy's. She oversees and manages all of adult PB textile design. She empowers creatives in design thinking and strategic innovation. As a leader in brand building, she has a creation-to-completion mindset that nurtures creativity.
Rubio is an experienced senior design director with a demonstrated history of working in the retail industry, leading art direction and design for major retailers. She is a brand builder, skilled in trend analysis, strategic innovation, color theory, and art direction. Previously, she was a VP at Tripl3a Properties LLC, where she managed and maintained properties within the Twin Cities.
Earlier in her career, she held multiple leadership roles at Target. Starting there as a print designer in 2001, she was promoted multiple times, reaching the role of design director by 2014. In this role, she managed and art directed a team of extremely talented artists and led art direction for several major women’s businesses.
30). Lindsey Sand
VP, Population Health, Knute Nelson
Lindsey Sand serves as Vice President of Population Health for Knute Nelson I Walker Methodist, a recently merged aging services organization offering a full continuum of services across Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. Her core responsibilities involve reimaging healthcare delivery for aging adults, creating new programming to eliminate service gaps, elevating the aging service provider's role in the care delivery model, and creating deep collaborations between providers across the healthcare continuum, community-based programs, payors, and aging adults.
Lindsey is a licensed health services executive and licensed nursing home administrator who has served the aging services industry in a variety of roles, including direct care and leadership positions in skilled nursing, assisted and independent housing, home and community-based services, and population health. She earned a B.A. from the University of Minnesota, Morris, with majors in Psychology and Liberal Arts for Human Services, and a Graduate Certificate in Long-Term Care Administration from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She serves on the Board of Directors for Lakes Area Age-Friendly (Chair), LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation (Chair), and LeadingAge Minnesota. She also serves on several grant review committees that support community-based programming.
Drawing inspiration from her family (inherited and chosen), her most important roles are mother, wife, daughter, granddaughter, and friend. Creating balance and making room for the moments with her loved ones helps drive her passion for change for our healthcare future. Hailing from rural Central Minnesota, she believes in the importance of community and supporting relationships that foster collaboration and the retention and creation of resources that support successful aging in place. She promotes organizational humility and leads a team of creative and passionate change-makers.
31). Ellen Anding
North America Executive Director of Salons, The Estée Lauder Companies
Ellen Anding is the North American Executive Director of Salons at The Estée Lauder Companies. The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skincare, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products.
Anding is a sales executive who successfully leads teams to high-level performance, with leadership enhanced by a mastery of strategic thinking and business analysis. She consistently delivers multi-million revenue dollars and profitability, develops field sales best practices widely implemented to drive market sales improvement, and coaches with a focus on developing new leaders for future company growth.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication and over 20 years of sales management experience, Anding crafts and executes sales and marketing strategies. She prepares and facilitates sales training, and she oversees and supports the opening of new retail partner locations. She is known for accurate forecasting, strategic planning, and successful management of multi-million-dollar operating budgets year after year. Anding started her career in 1995 as a sales manager-internal sales at Progressive Beauty Enterprises. From there, she eventually rose to sales and account manager at Progressive Beauty Brands, before joining The Estée Lauder Companies.
32). Erica Barnes
Executive Director of the Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council, State of Minnesota
Erica Barnes is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council of the State of Minnesota. The Minnesota State Government is the third largest employer in the state of Minnesota, employing over 50,000 diverse and talented employees in more than 100 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges, and universities.
Barnes is a healthcare innovator who is passionate about improving the patient experience for the rare disease community through advocacy, public policy, and scientific advancements. A thought leader with an emphasis on patient experience design and innovation, she has a track record of driving multi-system collaborations to address persistent barriers in healthcare. Her expertise includes coalition-building across multiple stakeholders and disciplines, engaging patients and increasing their involvement in scientific research, influencing public policy, and mentoring young healthcare professionals.
Barnes was the founder and executive director at Chloe's Fight Rare Disease Foundation. Previously, she was a speech-language pathologist at Minneapolis Public Schools. Earlier in her career, she worked with Fairview Health Services also as a speech-language pathologist. Barnes earned a Master's In Communication Disorders and Communication Disorders from the University of Minnesota.
33). Mary Hernandez
Executive Director, Mi CASA
Mary Hernandez stands as an enduring figure in the Scott and Carver County community, with her contributions spanning various essential endeavors. Among her notable achievements, she co-founded the Shakopee Diversity Alliance and played a crucial role in initiating Picnic with the Police in Shakopee and Chaska cities, Esperanza, and MI CASA. Acknowledged as one of the "20 Hispanic & Latina Women to Know in 2020 by YWCA," Hernandez's commitment to her work at Mi CASA reflects her unwavering dedication. Her advocacy extends to addressing domestic violence, as evidenced by her past role as the Community Engagement Coordinator at Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women.
In addition to her professional commitments, Hernandez treasures her roles as a mother of four and a devoted wife of two decades. Her profound connection to Scott and Carver County and its diverse inhabitants is evident, cultivated over her 13-year tenure as a Cultural Liaison at Shakopee and Chaska Public Schools. With a clear vision of inclusivity and unity, she endeavors to create a community where everyone feels a deep sense of belonging. Through initiatives like pop-up food distributions to combat food insecurity during the pandemic, Mi CASA, in collaboration with numerous partners, has distributed over 2 million pounds of food.
Moreover, Hernandez's influence extends far beyond local boundaries. As a co-founder of Mi CASA alongside five other Latina leaders, she has played a pivotal role in earning esteemed awards such as the Damus Award from St. Thomas University, the L'ETOILE Du Nord from MNUFC, and the recognition as Latino Organization of the Year in 2023 by the Latino Chamber of MN. These accolades underscore her steadfast commitment to empowering and uplifting the Latino community, not only within Shakopee but also on a broader scale.
34). Kamie Moen
Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships, Aetna, a CVS Health Company
Kamie Moen is the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at Aetna, a CVS Health Company. Aetna is building a healthier world by making healthcare easy, affordable, and all about the client.
Previously, Moen served as director of consultant relations at CVS Caremark Corporation. Before that, she was the manager of managed care at Target. She worked as a senior associate at Mercer Health & Benefits and also held the position of senior associate at Mercer. Earlier in her career, she was a senior account executive at Axia Strategies.
Moen graduated from the University of Minnesota with an undergraduate degree in biology and communications. During this time, she was part of the YWCA Big Brother/Big Sister Program, and she was on the women’s rowing team.
35). Kasey Beeler
VP, Marketing, Ecolab
Kasey Beeler is the Vice President of Marketing at Ecolab. A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. Building on a century of innovation, Ecolab has annual sales of $15 billion, employs more than 48,000 associates, and operates in more than 170 countries around the world.
Beeler has been at Ecolab for nearly 19 years. She started as an associate staffing specialist in 2005. She was quickly promoted to campus staffing specialist and then campus relations program manager. In 2012, she was made an assistant marketing manager and then a marketing manager in 2014. A short time later, Beeler made it to the senior marketing level, and by 2018, she was promoted to senior corporate account manager. She joined the C-suite in 2021 as an assistant vice president of strategic accounts and was appointed to her current role in 2022.
Before joining Ecolab, Beeler served MIX -Metro Intern eXchange as a co-chair. She graduated from the University of Minnesota-Carlson School of Management with an MBA and an undergraduate degree in marketing human resources.
36). Sara Ratner
President, Integrated Programs, Nomi Health
Currently, Sara Ratner is the President of Integrated Programs at Nomi Health. She has P&L responsibility for the complex care, home health, pharmacy, laboratory, and government programs lines of business. In this role, Ratner is charged with delivering innovative clinical and technology solutions with a specific focus on patient consumer engagement and satisfaction.
In addition, she is co-founder and board director of Proximal Health, a venture capital-funded healthcare insurance and technology platform designed to help members receive and pay for high-quality hospital-based specialty procedures.
Ratner’s healthcare leadership spans diverse business functions and industry segments, including healthcare technology, government programs, integrated delivery systems, insurance, clinic management, and pharmacy. Before Nomi Health, Ratner served on the executive team at Icario and as an executive advisor to venture-backed healthcare organizations developing strategies for emerging markets leveraging CMS and state frameworks to generate opportunities for program development and expansion. Previously, she was an SVP at RedBrick Health, where she led enterprise information technology and operations (government programs, call centers, health screenings, clinical services, and analytics). Earlier, she served as general counsel and VP of strategic partnerships and human resources at CVS Caremark, where she joined the leadership team that grew the MinuteClinic division from 80 to 560 clinics.
Ratner serves on several boards of directors, including Proximal Health, a venture capital-funded company; she has also previously served on other for-profit and nonprofit boards of directors. Throughout her career, she has received notable awards, such as the Business Journal Top 25 Women to Watch and Top 40 Under 40, and she was named part of Twin Cities Business Real Power 50. She earned a BA, cum laude, from Washington University in St. Louis, and her JD from St. Louis University graduating magna cum laude.
37). Marissa Birkland
Chief of Staff & Senior Director of Operations, Optum
Marissa Birkland is the Chief of Staff and Senior Director of Operations at Optum, a health services and innovation company on a mission to help people live healthier lives and to help make the health system work better for everyone. Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group family of businesses, is powering modern healthcare by connecting and serving the whole health system across 150 countries.
Birkland has 13 years of experience. She is a high-performing, results-oriented leader with a passion for healthcare. She has a diverse background in engagement operations, Six Sigma quality consulting, problem-solving, change management, strategic planning, new products, and capability introduction to scale. She has a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams to accomplish complex business objectives.
Before joining Optum, Birkland worked with the University of Minnesota Physicians Heart as an executive assistant and grand rounds coordinator. She graduated from the University of Minnesota-Carlson School of Management with an undergraduate degree in marketing and finance.
38). Emily Nolan
Vice President, Customer Development-Target, Kimberly-Clark
Emily Nolan is the Vice President of Customer Development at Kimberly-Clark. The Kimberly-Clark Corporation is an American multinational consumer goods and personal care corporation that produces mostly paper-based consumer products.
Nolan is known for her exceptional ability to inspire individuals and motivate teams, embodying confidence and a strong sense of purpose. She drives P&L performance and fosters market share growth through collaborative efforts with customers to create and execute joint business plans. As a people-first leader and changemaker, Nolan prioritizes trust, inclusion, curiosity, and bold thinking in her approach to leadership. She builds and leads high-performing teams, aligning them with the organization's long-term strategy to achieve sustainable success and drive innovation. Her leadership style emphasizes fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, where team members are empowered to contribute their best.
Previously, Nolan was a vice president of sales strategy and enablement-salty snacks at The Hershey Company. Before that, she was a senior development manager at General Mills. Nolan earned an undergraduate degree in business administration and marketing from Gies College of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
39). Alison Williams
SVP & Human Services Segment Practice Leader, Christensen Group
Alison Williams joined Christensen Group in 2006. Previously, She had a dynamic background in forging successful partnerships, driving revenue growth, and fostering client relationships, and has a passion for mentoring other women in business development.
Previously, Alison worked for Acordia, a division of Wells Fargo, where she was an Account Administrator concentrating on the Health and Human Services industry.
Alison has a specific focus on the following products and industries: group homes for the developmentally disabled, elderly, mental illness and TBI, assisted living and nursing homes, home health care/personal care attendants, development achievement centers/day programs, chemical dependency and addiction treatment facilities, client-directed care services, fiscal agent and employer of record, non-profits, and theaters.
Alison graduated from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN with a degree in Entrepreneurship. She earned her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) in 2018. She is a member of the Association of Residential Resources (ARRM) and sits on their board of directors. She also sits on the Lead the Way Foundation board and the advisory board for the Women in Leadership Certificate Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She was named among Insurance Business America’s (IBA) 2024 Elite Women in Insurance.
Alison enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
40). Angie Schulke
Vice President, Applications, Data & Business Intelligence, Life Time
Angie Schulke is the Vice President of Applications, Data, and Business Intelligence at Life Time. Life Time provides an entertaining, educational, friendly inviting, functional, and innovative experience of uncompromising quality that meets the health and fitness needs of the entire family.
Schulke is an influential and compassionate leader with over 20 years of experience building high-performing teams, driving innovative solutions, and improving business outcomes. Her focus areas include data, analytics, digital products, and agile software development. Schulke started her career in 2001 as a software developer and analyst consultant at Solutia Consulting. From there, she went on to UnitedHealth Group, before eventually rising to VP of data, analytics, and information architecture at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.
Schulke graduated from the University of Minnesota-Carlson School of Management with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management, in general.
41). Lisa Balzo
Head of Entertainment Partnerships and Licensing, General Mills
Lisa Balzo is the Head of Entertainment Partnerships and Licensing at General Mills. She first joined the company in 2017 as a brand partnerships and licensing associate manager in entertainment. Balzo has extensive experience in the partnerships and licensing industry, adept at managing projects from concept to completion, designing strategies, and leading teams to success. Known for her skill in building innovative and disruptive ideas, she excels in strategy development and fostering strong partner relationships.
Most recently, Balzo has specialized in partnerships and licensing within the entertainment and food sectors. Her notable achievements include conceptualizing and leading initiatives, such as the Gold Clio Award-winning Loki Charms Collaboration (Marvel's Loki and Lucky Charms) and the Limited Edition Mean Girls Toaster Strudel. In addition to her creative achievements, Balzo brings over 10 years of experience collaborating cross-functionally with high-level executives, agencies, filmmakers, and talent on various promotional partnerships and publicity campaigns for films and series. Her collaborative approach and strategic insights contribute to her success in driving impactful partnerships and innovative marketing initiatives.
Previously, Balzo was an account manager at Shinebox. Before that, she was a senior account executive (publicity and partnerships) at Allied Integrated Marketing. Balzo earned an undergraduate degree in journalism and mass communications with an emphasis in visual journalism and production from the University of Minnesota.
42). Katie Bergeson
Chief Financial Officer, Capital Construction LLC
Katie Bergeson is the Chief Financial Officer of Capital Construction, which provides exceptional roofing, siding, and other exterior updates for residential and commercial customers.
In 2010, Bergeson made a decision that would change the path of her life. Having spent years coaching volleyball at both the Division 1 and Division 2 levels, she was following what she thought of as her life plan. This quickly came to a halt when she decided to join her husband on an adventure around the country. Together, they worked for a company called Roofing and Restoration Services of America in Minnesota at their Mankato branch. Bergeson began there as the office manager, and the role introduced her to the world of storm restoration. Each year following their start, they would pivot to spending their time chasing hail storms around the country. This new role had them moving around and living in places like Tennessee, Illinois, New Jersey, Missouri, and more.
In 2014, Bergeson first received a recruitment call from a family friend who had decided to open a storm restoration business located permanently in Minnesota. She knew she wanted to move to Minnesota and start a family, making the new job offer a perfect fit. She began at Capital Construction in 2015 as the office manager. Soon after, Bergeson’s interest in organizing and reporting numbers earned her a new title as financial controller. As Capital continued to grow, she was able to hire qualified employees to support business operations, giving her the opportunity and time to learn and grow even more in finance. Today, after 13 years in the industry, she proudly holds the title of CFO.
43). Michelle Schoenecker
VP, Brand Strategy and Operations, Thomson Reuters
Michelle Schoenecker is the VP of Brand Strategy and Operations of Thomson Reuters. She first joined the company in 2012 as an account executive. Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading provider of news and information-based tools to professionals.
Schoenecker is a seasoned marketing and brand leader with over 15 years of experience, specializing in B2B tech. Her professional journey is marked by a passion for rejuvenating historic brands, deriving energy from transforming the old into something new. She has a unique ability to derive simplicity from complex situations and thrives on tackling significant challenges. Relationship-building is at the core of her approach, as she genuinely enjoys meeting people and building connections across all levels of an organization. Committed to tangible outcomes, she is energized by bringing ideas out of the realm of PowerPoint and into the world, believing that success is measured by implementation rather than presentation alone.
Previously, Schoenecker was an account manager at Pure Brand Communications. Before that, she was a financial representative at Northwestern Mutual. Earlier in her career, she worked with Target as a pricing analyst. Schoenecker earned an MS in Marketing from the University of Denver-Daniels College of Business and an undergraduate degree in marketing and finance from the University of Denver.
44). Ali Bennett
Director, Head of Enterprise Product Operations & Risk, PayPal
Ali Bennett is the Director and Head of Enterprise Product Operations and Risk at PayPal. She first joined the company in 2019 as a risk and compliance officer. PayPal Holdings, Inc. is an American multinational financial technology company operating an online payment system in the majority of countries that support online money transfers.
At PayPal, Bennett leads a talented team with an overall mission to decrease the residual risk of their business as a result of offering enterprise products. Her team works closely with product leaders and engineers to continually train and coach them on risk management and how to have a risk mindset. This allows them a seat at the table to ensure they are adequately identifying and mitigating risks associated with their large enterprise products and with their large enterprise merchants. As their business grows and changes, Bennett is deeply focused on their existing control structure to re-envision how they are thinking and mitigating their controls to decrease operational risk, decrease the potential for human error, and re-examine how they are leveraging technology. She focuses primarily on bringing simplicity back to their highly complex products and processes.
Previously, Bennett was a vice president and audit manager at US Bank. Before that, she was an audit manager at Deloitte. Bennett earned an undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from the University of St. Thomas.
45). Marnie Ochs-Raleigh
CEO, Client Champion | Evolve Systems and Evolve Payment
Marnie Ochs-Raleigh is the co-founder (with her husband Donald) and CEO of Evolve Systems and Evolve Payment, both founded in 2003. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, the companies serve clients locally and nationwide.
Evolve Systems is a full-service digital, creative, and technology agency driven by a passion for evolving clients' businesses. Their suite of digital services, including branding, website development, and marketing, is developed using data-informed and business-specific strategies to deliver a return on investment (ROI).
Under Ochs-Raleigh's leadership, the Evolve team has achieved consistent double-digit year-over-year growth while elevating their clients' success. The ever-evolving industry presents its challenges. Ochs-Raleigh often jokes that when she started Evolve, Mark Zuckerberg was still in school; today, they have dedicated team members serving clients using Meta's social tools.
A sixth-generation entrepreneur, Ochs-Raleigh attributes much of her success to using Traction and the EOS business model as the foundation for all their processes and achievements. A firm believer in the power of collaboration, "together we are stronger" became her mantra during the COVID pandemic. The Evolve leadership team remains focused on building a healthy company culture where the best ideas win and leading with integrity, even when faced with the toughest decisions.
Ochs-Raleigh is actively involved in her local community. To date, the company and its team have donated over 5,500 hours of community service, and provided pro-bono services to non-profits and military-based programs. She also participates on several non-profit boards, mentors the younger generation, and actively connects talented individuals.
Her leadership has earned her recognition for her contributions to both the business marketing and financial industry, as well as the community as a whole. However, it's her unwavering commitment to her family and team that truly sets her apart as a leader.
Ochs-Raleigh resides in Blaine, Minnesota, with her husband of 34 years and their four adult children. She enjoys traveling, biking, gardening, cooking, baking, reading a good book, and unwinding with a glass of wine.
46). Hsieng Su
Chief Medical Executive, Allina Health
Hsieng Su is the Chief Medical Executive of Allina Health. She is responsible for clinical performance and advancing Allina Health’s safety, quality, and population health journey. Allina Health is an integrated health system that serves the communities in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Before joining Allina Health in 2021, Su served SSM Health-St. Louis was the regional chief medical officer, where she was an integral part of improving patient care by leading clinical teams across five specialty areas, creating a physician leadership development program, and providing leadership to the SSM Health-St. Louis Institutional Review Board and research contracts with the affiliated academic university. She served as a board member of the Accountable Care Organization for the region. Su spent six years at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee as the chief medical officer before her time with SSM Health-St. Louis.
Su holds an undergraduate degree in microbiology from the University of Washington, Seattle; a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Irvine; and a Master of Health Care Management from Harvard School of Public Health. She also has a Doctorate of Medicine from Georgetown University School of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency at Mayo Clinic, finished a preventative medicine fellowship at Mayo Clinic, and completed The Academy, GE Chief Medical Officer fellowship.
47). Sharon Bigot
President, American Association of University Women, Minnesota
Sharon Bigot is the President of the American Association of University Women of Minnesota (AAUW). AAUW, founded in 1881, is a nonprofit organization that advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. The organization has a nationwide network of 170,000 members and supporters, 1,000 local branches, and 800 college and university partners.
Bigot chairs the AAUW MN State Board and oversees the 30 AAUW branches throughout Minnesota. The board follows the AAUW mission to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. AAUW MN provides eleven $500 scholarships for young women chosen by the branches to attend the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) at the University of Maryland, College Park. They offer "Young Women for Equity" awards and branch project grants, awarded at the state convention.
Bigot has also served as the president of the Minneapolis branch of the American Association of Univesity Women. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with an undergraduate degree in pharmacy.
48). Carrie Karki
CEO & Founder of WhiteBox.Marketing
Carrie Karki is the CEO and Founder of WhiteBox Marketing, an award-winning, full-service marketing agency providing a consultative approach to delivering effective client solutions. With more than 25 years of experience in the marketing world, she has built a solid reputation for excellence and innovation, leading her company forward to enjoy considerable growth and success in Minnesota markets and beyond.
Carrie founded WhiteBox Marketing in 2018 to bring a fresh approach to modern marketing, built on a solid principle of “good people doing good things.” Under her leadership, the agency has grown to 20+ full-time core employees and is setting a new standard in our industry by servicing clients with full-service marketing strategies driven by results, and of course, out-of-the-box thinking, too!
When she isn’t strategic planning or building long-term client partnerships, she’s involving herself in local efforts to promote positive impact in her community. Carrie is actively involved in local Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, and other non-profits, continuously giving back to the community. Carrie received her education from St. Cloud State University, where she now serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, contributing to the institution that significantly influenced her personal and professional growth.
A strong advocate for unity and diversity, Carrie believes in embracing unique backgrounds locally and globally. She supports multiple charities annually, championing causes that bring positive change throughout Minnesota and across the globe. Beyond her professional and philanthropic efforts, Carrie values her family, cherishes time with friends, enjoys great food, and treasures travel opportunities that broaden her perspective.
49). Jackie Knight
President, Ackerberg
Jackie Knight is the President of Ackerberg. She provides oversight for the Commercial Services division, overseeing the Property Management, Maintenance, Construction Management, and Administrative Services teams. Knight plays an active role in new development activity as the operational liaison and directs the development and implementation of programs and strategies for the department. Her focus is on transitioning new properties into the portfolio, maximizing property cash flow, and tenant and customer satisfaction.
Before joining Ackerberg in 2011, Knight worked on behalf of Madison Marquette Realty Services, Northmarq Real Estate Services, and Jones Lang LaSalle, holding positions in property management, operations management, marketing, specialty leasing, and tenant coordination. In addition to being honored as a top “Woman in Business” by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal in 2013, Knight holds her CDP designation (Certified Development Design and Construction Professional) through ICSC, her CPM designation (Certified Property Manager) through IREM, and her LEED GA designation through USGBC.
Knight is an active member in multiple professional and neighborhood groups; this includes serving on the Boards of the Lake Street Council and Uptown Special Service District, as well as the City of Minneapolis Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Knight is also active in numerous commercial real estate associations, including ICSC, MSCA, IREM, the USGBC, and the Uptown Association locally.
50). Laura Hott
Director of Franchise Recruiting & Engagement (DFRE), Ameriprise Financial
As a field leader at Ameriprise, Laura Hott is responsible for driving growth within the geographic territory consisting of Wisconsin, East Iowa, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as well as the Northwest corridor of Illinois - also known as the #UpperMidBest.
Laura leads the annual Advisor Business Planning process for the territory, ensuring a high-quality implementation that drives both high participation and captures advisor growth goals and objectives to align practice growth goals with territory resources. She also is responsible for advisor engagement in programs including region/territory events that drive practice growth by leveraging available resources and uptake in growth programs; connecting top advisors to programs designed to help them troubleshoot issues and drive growth.
Laura creates and manages an onboarding plan customized for Novice/Experienced Associate Financial Advisors and External Practice Acquisition hires, and serves as a key point of contact throughout the process; ensures employees have the right tools, resources, training, and support necessary to onboard effectively, quickly transition their clients/assets and grow GDC to the pre-transition level of production.
Laura leads a high-quality, high-quantity recruiting and career path effort for Franchisee Staff, Novice/Experienced Associate Financial Advisors, and External Practice Acquisition hires for the territory. She develops and manages comprehensive diversified sourcing strategies- driving a consistent level of high-quality flow. She screens and conducts interviews with candidates, presents the unique value proposition of each opportunity, and guides and manages all steps of the process in partnership with the Franchisee, all the way through sourcing, offering, and hiring for future development.
Laura provides leadership to matrix business partners who are responsible for driving organic growth results in the assigned territory. She presents strategic messaging on behalf of the local leadership team in advisor engagement venues, as well as serving and driving Strategic Imperative committees to align with firm initiatives. Laura performs project work to translate strategies into initiatives and activities to be executed by field and corporate resources. She also provides coaching and training to colleagues during leader meetings, national calls, small groups, and/or mentorships.